A massive £120 million flood defence scheme, now completed in the West Country, is forecast to deliver a huge £1.4 billion boost to the regional economy and support the creation of thousands of new jobs.
A Landmark Infrastructure Achievement
Stretching an impressive 17 kilometres, the new defences run from Lamplighter’s Marsh in the south to Aust Cliff in the north, covering the key Avonmouth and Severnside area. This project is officially the largest scheme of its kind ever undertaken in the region.
The comprehensive infrastructure includes earth embankments, flood gates, and sheet pile walls. In a thoughtful design touch, glass panels have been incorporated in some areas to maintain the area's scenic views while providing robust protection.
Unlocking Economic Potential and Creating Jobs
Project leaders state the defences will 'unlock the full potential' of the Avonmouth and Severnside enterprise area. This 1,800-hectare economic hub stretches for five miles along the Severn Estuary and is now poised for significant growth.
According to the teams behind the initiative, the improvements could drive the creation of up to 12,000 new jobs by 2026 and generate a staggering £1.4bn in economic benefits by 2038.
Councillor Chris Willmore, cabinet member for planning, regeneration and infrastructure at South Gloucestershire Council, hailed the project's completion as a major achievement. He emphasised that it offers greater peace of mind for residents and businesses, protecting them from flooding risks 'for generations to come'.
Collaboration and Environmental Benefits
The project was launched in 2020 by BMMjv, a joint venture between BAM Nuttall and Mott MacDonald, and was developed in close consultation with local residents.
Beyond economic gains, the scheme had a strong environmental focus. It involved the creation of new wildlife habitats across the Severn Estuary, including more than 80 hectares of wetlands and two hectares of native trees and shrubs.
Ursula Stevenson, the SGC and BCC project lead, highlighted that the success is a testament to the strong collaboration between councils, agencies, and local people, all working towards a 'safer, greener and more resilient' future for the area.
Further works on the railway section south of Severn Beach are planned in partnership with Network Rail, with construction scheduled for 2030.
